Nigerian Army, Denmark Move to Deepen Defence Cooperation
Shaibu seeks enhanced intelligence sharing, tactical training and technology-driven security solutions
The Nigerian Army and the Kingdom of Denmark are exploring opportunities to deepen defence cooperation, with emphasis on intelligence sharing, tactical training, professional military education and technology-driven responses to emerging security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Friday, October 16, 2026, when he received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and the country’s Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Henrik Laugesen, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said stronger defence ties between both countries would enhance Nigeria’s operational capabilities, strengthen its security architecture and promote regional stability through coordinated military engagements and sustainable capacity development.
He emphasised the importance of international partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges, noting that closer collaboration would create opportunities for the exchange of expertise, operational knowledge and best practices.
The Army Chief identified potential areas of cooperation to include modern tactical capabilities, force protection, border surveillance, professional military education and knowledge exchange.
According to him, collaboration in these areas would strengthen operational effectiveness, particularly in the North-East and North-West theatres, where Nigerian troops continue to confront complex security threats.
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Shaibu also stressed that effective national security requires a holistic approach that combines well-equipped troops with institutional resilience and sustained investment in personnel welfare, rehabilitation and career development.
He noted that prioritising the welfare and professional growth of military personnel was essential to sustaining morale, enhancing combat readiness and improving operational performance.
Earlier, Ambassador Hansen expressed Denmark’s readiness to expand its existing security cooperation with Nigeria beyond maritime security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea to include direct engagement with the Nigerian Army.
The Danish envoy identified tactical training, operational knowledge exchange and strategic capacity building as potential areas for expanding bilateral defence relations.
He commended the resilience and operational achievements of Nigerian troops, observing that security and stability were fundamental to economic growth and sustainable development.
Hansen also conveyed Denmark’s condolences over the loss of Nigerian military personnel in the line of duty and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to mutually beneficial defence cooperation.
The engagement underscores the potential for Nigeria and Denmark to broaden their security partnership through practical military collaboration, capacity development and the exchange of expertise.
For Nigeria, such partnerships could provide additional opportunities to strengthen troop capabilities, improve operational coordination and develop responses to emerging threats. For both countries, closer engagement offers a platform for advancing shared security interests and contributing to stability across the West African subregion.
The meeting concluded with both sides exploring areas of mutual interest in military capacity development, operational effectiveness and defence cooperation in support of national and regional security.
